Alternative Medicine (Suna Event#1)

[Deleted]

The team would be told to assemble at this one particular point. A seemingly derelict and abandoned one story building that the desert was already starting to reclaim. This mission would have reached all the people through various ways to ensure that no one else would get hold of this information. However they received the letter it would read the following.

If you received this it's because I Shiki Senri trust you and need your help. Attached below are the coordinates to meet me. Arrive here at 11:30 Pm. Come alone, expect others and arrive exactly on time.

-SS

If they followed the coordinates to where the map stated they would find themselves at this small hovel on the outskirts of town. The room itself was totally bare and open to the elements. The only thing that stood out was a small metal figurine of a wolf on a rotting wooden table.

@lemegeton
Kinzoku
Starnaess
Master Game
Hamura

[Deleted]

The Commander called, and Titania answered. It was as simple as that. The circumstances didn't matter in the face of the fact that the second highest authority of the village had requested her. Trusted her. This was angood sign for her advancement.

Of course, she wasn't alone in this. There wiuld be others according to the message. That itself was a curious thing. A little note left secretly in her footlocker, with secret coordinates. It was the only thing that gave the eight year old sharpshooter pause. Because of that, despite her preference for acting openly in order to garner a reputation, she found herself skulking about like she had in the Tea country some months ago, helping pave the way for her group with the Chuunin Exams. The results of which remained undisclosed for now, so she was still only a genin at the moment but she was hopeful for an early promotion - a strong start for her political rise.

Her Mask of the Emissary, given by the Commander himself to mark her status as his agent and voice, distorted her voice and concealed her features behind a frightening visage, and her hooded Cloak of the Hyuuga blended her frame and equipment with the surroundings, leaving her an indistinct apparition swiftly surging through the desert of her fatherland. Beneath the cloak she was dressed for the cold - despite her fair complexion she was well accustomed to the desert's mood swings, and handled the days heat with ease. But when night set in, the inevitable bitter chill, still warm compared to other climates but comparatively freezing after the sunlight hours, was a weakness of hers. She couldn't abide the cold. Each piece was also lined with a fine chain reinforced layer of a material called celestial mithral. It was lightweight and flexible, while still offering far greater defense than clothing alone or the protective vests of her previous life.

She went nowhere without her prized rifle, kept at a low ready as she ran, and several clips of ammunition for it, in miltiple varieties strapped to her chest and thighs. Standard rounds, armor piercing, explosive, and spreadshot left her with a shot limit high enough and arsenal varied enough for most potential targets. Currently she had a clip of standards loaded - she only switched to specialty rounds if the situation called for it. Didn't want to waste funding.

The assault pack strapped to her frontunder her cloak, above the knees and below the waist, further made her appearance like that of a lumpy shadow with a metallic wolf's face.

It contained various useful items in various pockets and compartments such as binoculars, a plenty stone, a wineskin full of water, a few custom energy bars, a walkie-talkie, a piece of flint she could strike with her bayonet to start fires, a compass and map of the continent, a multi-tool, a splint and some bandages, a field cauterizer, several zipties, caltrops, and smoke bombs, and some kunai combat spades and locking tags. A secondary, smaller pouch with deceptively high carrying capacity was home to a roguestone, a plenty stone, a teavelling stone, several hydra teeth - hopefully another stone and not literal, but most likely so knowing this world - and a few offensive explosives.

The first one to reach the coordinates, she immediately noted how spartan the place was. As expected of the Commander. She played the part of the perfect soldier for the sake of her own agenda, but suspected he might be such an individual for real.

The small wolf statuette was obviously of importance considering the older man's fetish for the mangy beasts, perhaps a teleportation key or communications method, but since she had been warned to expect others, she didn't want to interact with it just yet. Not until there were others. Instead she would sit on the floor facing it. Her guard was by no means open though - her eyes shifted from blue to red behind her mask and her awareness of the world expanded to encompass everything within 50 meters of herself, even in the air and underground. She hoped to feel for familiar life forces, people she could trust. Strangers would have to be met more cautiously, as there was no way to know if they were with or against the Commander.

---

Traits

Chakra Resistance
Rank: "B"
Skill: Chakra Trait
Effect: Some Humans are even less affected by Chakra.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Increases the characters natural bonus on saves vs. Chakra Jutsus & Chakra-like effects to +4 Trait Bonus. Users gain a Damage Resistance against Chakra Techniques equal to 20 points Racial Bonus. This trait replaces 2 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 2 Freebies.

Aura of Misfortune
Rank: "C"
Skill: Heritage Trait
Effect: The user gives an uncontrolled aura that weakens anyone around them including the user.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: All creatures (including the user) within 3 meters of the user are subject to a -2 profane penalty to their Saves. This penalty increases to -3 at "C" Class, and increases by an additional -1 every Class Level thereafter (Maximum -5). This Ability functions only while the user is conscious, not if they are unconscious or dead.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Will of Men, The
Rank: "C"
Skill: Faith Trait
Effect: Men are creatures of will; their will carries them through a harsh world of politics and physical dangers.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a +1 trait bonus to all Will Saves. At "C", "B', "A", and "S" Class level, gain an additional +1 trait bonus. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Mirror Mind
Rank: "B"
Skill: Chakra Trait
Effect: The user's mind tries to force a mental effect to be shared.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A user who spent their lives under the thumb of mental tyranny has learned how to oppose those shackles. Their mind becomes as dangerous as a trap. Once per day per Class Level, when the user is forced to roll a save against a mind-affecting effect with a rank equal or lower than their class level (D ranks as a D class, C ranks and below as a C class, etc), the user can make their foe suffer the same roll. When this ability is triggered, the original performer must make a save against their own mind-affecting effect equal in difficulty as the save the user endured. If the mind-affecting effect gives a person total control over their victim, and both sides fail their saves, the mind-affecting effect is cancelled both ways. This trait replaces 2 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 2 Freebies.

Unscathed
Rank: "C"
Skill: Chakra Trait
Effect: The user is amazingly resistant to energy attacks because of their upbringing or Chakra experimentation.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Each type of energy resistance the user has (if any) increases by 20 Armour Points. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Finite Life
Rank: "C"
Skill: Heritage Trait
Effect: A trait that enables the user to survive after death.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: To be human is to be flawed, limited, and finite; but some humans nonetheless struggle through and work against or despite these limitations. That they live short lives and die gives their time in this life meaning and fuel for art, science, and creativity. Once per day, they do not die until their Temporary Armour Points drop to 0 after taking a death attack, this effect lasts for 5 minutes per Class Level, activation of this technique takes up no movements and happens after a death strike takes place. The amount of Armour Points they gain is 20 points per Class Level. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Able Learner
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: The user has great aptitude for learning.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: When learning a skill, the skill states how many times a die roll may be applied to show how much they learned within that skill. Example, when a user learns "Botany" they gain 5 die rolls. This "trait" increases the amount of die rolls by 1.5 rounded to the highest number at 1 die roll per learning, however any number higher than 1 die roll is rounded down. For example: User learns Botany and gains 5 die rolls. With this Trait they will gain 7 die rolls. However if a user learns Lockpicking they normally get 1 die roll, however with this Trait they will gain 2 die rolls.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 2 Freebies.

---

No skills, but a Charisma rating of +2

[Hamura]

Having only returned home from a personal scavenger hunt a week ago, he had been filling that week up with quite a bit of extracurricular activities. Among other things, he had been studying up on some foreign languages he had come to take an interest in, as well as aiding an escaped slave in settling in until he could be taken back to his home country. It was during that same week that Hamura had a courier stop by his door, handing him a letter that was meant for his eyes only. From what he could read, no real information aside from a location, a time and that he was apparently one of the chosen few who was trusted with what seemed like it'd become quite the sensitive issue.

Sighing deeply, he had imagined that he might have more time for his studies, though such idle thinking hardly ever worked out for a Shinobi. As such, he started making his preparations by placing his gear on the table for inspection, his cloak and clothing over the edge of the couch and both a pot and a pan on the kitchen counter. Next, he put all of the ingredients for a solid meal on the kitchen counter while taking out more and more of his stuff from the pantry. Filling the pot halfway with water, he set it up to boil while putting just a bit of oil into the pan. Continuing by filling a pot with oil and putting that up to boil as well, he started cutting the spring onions, the red onions and the pork.

After moistening the panko crust for the Tonkatsu, preparing the soup for the Ramen and putting the noodles into the boiling water, he put the prepared cutlets of panko'd pork into the pot of oil for frying and the other pork into the boiling pot of soon-to-be-soup to create a powerful flavor. While everything was slowly cooking, he checked his Kunai, Shuriken and his Tanto for any flaws or nicks in the steel, saving what he could with his whetstone. After several minutes, the Tonkatsu pork cutlets had been fried and were taken out. At the same time, he started putting together all of the loose ingredients for the Ramen bowl. Placing the Tonkotsu Ramen into a container, he carefully poured some soy sauce over the cutlets and placed them into a separate container.

Filling up a backpack with five plastic bowls and plates, he put all of his weaponry back into their slots and changed his clothes. Changing into his Shinobi attire, he attached his Kunai and his weaponry pouches to his clothes before putting his grey-brown cloak over it all to obscure everything from just below his chin down to his toes from sight. Finally, he picked up his mask and wondered if it was something he would be needing for this little trip. Deciding that he'd rather be safe than sorry, he placed the mask over his face and put the somewhat heavy backpack over his shoulders before making his way towards the village gates and off towards the coordinates he had been given. While he had wasted a bit of time cooking, the fact that he was an excellent navigator allowed him to quickly make up for lost time and arrive well within the parameters.

From the look of things, he was the second person to arrive at the scene. Mostly because he did not know most of the village Shinobi as well as he wanted to, he did not think most of them could be bothered with the essentials of preparation. After all, there was more to preparing than just bringing weapons and gear, because having a full stomach was probably just as important if not more so. In so doing, he placed the plastic dining tools, plates and bowls unto the table, as well as the two containers, one of which contained Tonkatsu cutlets and the other the Tonkotsu ramen. Having no idea how many people to expect, he figured that five was likely overdoing it a bit already. Regardless, it seemed like a good idea to get some food in during the briefing they were likely to receive soon. That was, if the rest of the team managed to make it there in time.

"I brought a little something for everyone to enjoy, can't go running around on an empty stomach, especially on a mission of such an overly secretive nature."

SPOILER: Click to show

All Traits, Modifyers and Skills I have

-Shinobi Skills:
-- Observation (170)(+10)
-- Sense Motive (170)
-- Stealth (170)
-- Sleight of Hand (140)
-- Acting (125)
-- Rope Use (125)
-- Reading Lips (125)
-- Leadership (125)
-- Jump Good (71)
-- Swim Good (58)

Naturalist Skills:
-- Animal Training
- Birds (125)(+10)
- Canine (125)(+10)
-- Navigate (125)(+10)
-- Cooking (125)(+10)
-- Tracking (125)

Cultivation Skills:
-- Coastal (125)
-- Forest (125)

Investigative Skills:
-- Investigate (125)
-- Current Affairs (125)

Sabotaging Skills:
-- Disable Device (125)
-- Lock Picking (125)

-Medical:
-- First Aid (125)(+10)
-- Autopsy (125)
-- Psychology (125)

-Academia:
-- Astrology (125)
-- Appraisal
- Weapons and Armor (125)(+20)
-- Expertise
-Weapons (125)(+10)

-Languages:
-- Abyssal (125)(+10)
-- Draconic (125)(+10)
-- Necril (125)(+10)
-- Serusan (125)(+10)
-- Sign Language (125)(+10)

-Ninja Lore:
-- Chakra Lore (125)(+50)
-- Martial Lore (125)

-Flora & Fauna Lore:
-- Mountain Regions
- Animals (125)
-- Forest Regions
- Plants (125)
-- Coastal Regions
- Plants (125)
- Animals (125)
-- Desert regions
- Plants (125)
- Animals (125)

_______________________


Base Stats:
Base Movements: 12
Base Handseals: 75
Base Handseal Reduction: 1/4
Base Armor Points: 200
Base Will: 6
Base Fortitude: 10


Sight:
Low-light Vision: 20 meters
Low-light Vision (Inuzuka): Double low-light vision distance
Darkvision: 20 meters

Saves and Resistances:
Chakra Resistance: Increases natural bonus on saves vs. Chakra Jutsu & Chakra-like effects to +4 Trait Bonus
Chakra Resistance: Gain Damage Resistance against Chakra Techniques equal to 20 points Racial Bonus.
Will of Men: User gains a +1 trait bonus to all Will Saves +1 per class level. S Rank Total = +5
Confirmed Cynic: +2 Will Saves vs. Enchantments
Iron Will: +2 Bonus on all Will Saves
Illusory Insight: +2 insight bonus to all saves versus Illusions of Shadow Perception
Impeccable Will: +3 to saves against the opponent's Jutsu
Bravery: +3 Bonus on Saves vs. Fear based attacks
Fearless: +3 Competence Bonus to Saves vs. Fear effect
Icy Calm: +4 Cultural Bonus vs. Fear Inducing effect
Icy Calm: Shaken effect -50% effective
Singleminded: +2 Morale Bonus vs. Intimidation Techniques
Singleminded: +1 Bonus to Will Saves
Mind's Eye: +2 Will Saves vs. Genjutsu
Free Spirit: +2 Morale Bonus Saves vs. Mind Affecting effects

Fortitude:
Great Fortitude: +2 Bonus Fortitude Saves
Toughness B+: +1 Bonus Fortitude Saves
Indomitable Fortitude: +2 Fortitude Saves

Armor Points:
Toughness: +5 Armor Points
Toughness B+: +10 Armor Points

Evasion:
Dodge: +1 Dodge Bonus
Dodge C+: +2 Dodge Bonus
Defensive: + 2 Dodge Bonus
Defensive: +2 Saves against Taijutsu

Check Bonus:
Hidden Hand: Sleight Hand +5 Trait Bonus (Light Weapon Concealment)
Hidden Hand: +5 Armor Points Light Weapon Damage to Surprise Attack
Anatomist: +5 Trait Damage to Critical Hits
Classically Schooled: +5 Trait Bonus to Ritual, Chakra and Necromantic Lore
Distance Aptitude: Treat Class Level as 1 higher when determining range of Chakra Jutsu
Free Spirit: -10 on all Escape Artist checks made to escape from bonds
Confirmed Cynic: +10 Sense Motive Checks
Eccentric Specialist: +5 Insight on Stealth
Eccentric Specialist: +5 Insight on Sense Motive
Eccentric Specialist: +5 Insight on Observation
Eccentric Specialist: +5 Insight on Sleight of Hand
Nature Studies: -10 Competence Bonus to all Natural World Checks
Survival: -30 Competence Bonus to Tracking, Botany and Animal Lore Checks
Psychology: -20 Competence Bonus to Anthropology, Evidence Analysis, Intimidation, Observation and Sense Motive Checks
Mental Acumen: -30 Competence Bonus to Evidence Analysis Checks
Mental Acumen: -10 Competence Bonus to Observation Checks
Eidetic: +20 to Sense Motive Checks
Eidetic: +20 to Observation Checks
Keen Senses: +10 to Observation Checks
Duplicitous: +20 to Disguise Checks
Duplicitous: +20 to Acting Checks

Jutsu Enhancers:
Hard Water: +6 Water Hardness
Hard Water: +30 Water Armor Points
Hard Water: +5 Water Resistance against Fire
Cold Focus: +1 to the Difficulty for all Saves against Jutsu the user performs that deal Cold applications
Strengthened Ice: +14 Ice Hardness
Strengthened Ice: +70 Ice Armor Points
Strengthened Ice: +15 Ice Resistance to Fire
Applicable Defenses: +4 Ice Hardness
Applicable Defenses: +20 Ice Armor Points
Applicable Defenses: +5 Ice Resistance to Fire

[Kinzoku]

[ENTER]

11:29 in the evening
Kaze no Kuni
Small Hovel

Alternative Medicine
Sixty seconds left. Kinzoku knew when Shiki said exactly on time, he meant EXACTLY ON TIME. And for that, Kinzoku would make sure he arrived at 11:30 pm on the dot. As he was slowly walking to the coordinates, he made sure to check his inventory again. Of course, he was dressed in his usual attire of a sleeveless black shirt, with a black jacket over it and black pants leading to his black boots. The only difference was that instead of his usual red cloak, Kinzoku was wearing his Cloak of Hyūga, with the hood up making him invisible.

The invisibility cloaked the rest of his inventory. On his hands were his Clairaudient Fly Fingers gloves which would appear like regular grey gloves when the invisibility would cease, while the skin colored receptor was in his right ear. On his right index finger was Kinzoku's Gem of Insight ring, while his right ring finger was styling a skull of strength ring. The gloves led up to his witch watch which held two Devil's Heart, one moderate Gem of Energy (orange), a Gem of Telekinesis and a Spirit Amber.

Kinzoku's butt sported his Type 1 Butt Bag which was loaded with an assortment of other items. Inside the butt bag was one Dancing Star Grenade, a vile of Hate, Kinzoku's Magic Bling Diamond, four Military Ration Pills, two kana and ten Hira Shuriken. All items were neatly placed in the butt bag and positions were committed to Kinzoku's memory in order for him to quickly access them. Finally, was Kinzoku's Gem of Wise stud which was in his left ear.

Fifteen seconds left. As Kinzoku started to reach the clearing he saw what looked liked a small shack. When doing so, he began to resonate his soul in order to sense those around him. Though it was a bit dark, he could sense people by their souls. Getting a read on the people already there, Kinzoku figured this was the team Shiki had assembled. And while the two present souls seemed familiar, he could not sense Shiki's soul...

"It's not like him to be late."

Ten seconds left. Kinzoku placed his hand on the door to hear what was going on inside, but then he paused. He did not want his first impression to be that of a snooper. Therefore, he decided just to knock. Five seconds left. Kinzoku put his hand down and took a deep breath.

"Three.... Two.... One....."

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! Kinzoku entered the shack after knocking. And nodded at the two already there, before noticing his hood was still up. He then dropped it to release the invisibility and nodded once more at the two. He then noticed the wolf figurine. The white wolf left a wolf behind which led Kinzoku to believe he would not be joining them. Either way, he was there to help Shiki out, whether Shiki would be accompanying them or not. Now it was just time to wait and see what they were there for.

Tech Used

SPOILER: Click to show

Soul Tuning
Rank: "B"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: Using the ability to manipulate their soul, the user is able to sense other souls to greater degrees.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: By sacrificing a movement, the user can sense the presence or absence of creatures (or anything else) within a Soul within a cone distance of 20 meters + 2 meters per Resonance Technique. And their relative numbers and directions from the user, but not a pinpoint location. Most solid materials do not block this sense, but at least 2 meters of stone, wood, or earth, or 3 inches of iron or other heavy metal will block it, as will any solid sheet of lead. If the user has at least 25 Skill Points in Soul Wavelength then whenever they use Soul Tuning, the user can gain a general location as if they were using Blindsense, but only for the purpose of detecting things with souls. Also as an additional movement, the user may pinpoint the exact location of the soul as if they had Blindsight. In half a round action the user can gauge the Soul's Power. "D" Class Faint, "C" Class Moderate, "B" Class Strong, "A" and "S" Class Overwhelming. If the user's Class Level is "C" or lower, then they gauge an overwhelming Aura, the user is Dazed for 1 round. If the user has 50 Points into Soul Wavelength, whenever the user detects Souls, they can detect the positions of Souls as if they had blindsight. Also, as a Movement the user may detect the Alignment of the soul they can sense. If the user has at least 75 points into Soul Wavelength, then during the first movement, the user can also sense the alignment, and within half a round, the user can learn the soul's type and subtype, and also the basic makeup of their Class Level Specialists. This allows the user to make performances with Soul Wavelength at a range greater than touch but within the distance of Soul Tuning.
Limit: Must be a Mabuki. Must know Soul Wavelength 5 Skill Points.

(11 Resonance Techs known = +22 meters)

Traits

SPOILER: Click to show

Courageous
Rank: "C"
Skill: Combat Trait
Effect: User's childhood was brutal, but they persevered through force of will and faith.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: No matter how hard things go, the user knew they can make it through as long as they kept a level head. The user gains a +2 trait bonus on Saves against fear effects. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Hidden Hand
Rank: "C"
Skill: Combat Trait
Effect: User's concealed weapons strike fast and true.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a +5 trait bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal light weapons and a +10 Armour Points in striking damage in trait bonus when making an attack with a light weapon during a surprise attack. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Able Learner
Rank: "C"
Skill: Social Trait
Effect: The user has great aptitude for learning.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: When learning a skill, the skill states how many times a die roll may be applied to show how much they learned within that skill. Example, when a user learns "Botany" they gain 5 die rolls. This "trait" increases the amount of die rolls by 1.5 rounded to the highest number at 1 die roll per learning, however any number higher than 1 die roll is rounded down. For example: User learns Botany and gains 5 die rolls. With this Trait they will gain 7 die rolls. However if a user learns Lockpicking they normally get 1 die roll, however with this Trait they will gain 2 die rolls.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 2 Freebies.

Finite Life
Rank: "C"
Skill: Heritage Trait
Effect: A trait that enables the user to survive after death.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: To be human is to be flawed, limited, and finite; but some humans nonetheless struggle through and work against or despite these limitations. That they live short lives and die gives their time in this life meaning and fuel for art, science, and creativity. Once per day, they do not die until their Temporary Armour Points drop to 0 after taking a death attack, this effect lasts for 5 minutes per Class Level, activation of this technique takes up no movements and happens after a death strike takes place. The amount of Armour Points they gain is 20 points per Class Level. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Grendle Ancestry
Rank: "B"
Skill: Heritage Trait
Effect: A trait that grants healing properties to the user.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot gain any other Ancestry Traits.
Description: Some human bloodlines trace their linage back to a grendle, an offspring born of troll and human parentage. Living humans with this racial trait are immune to bleeding out. If they are also "C" Class they heal Minor damage per 15 rounds. If they "A" Class and they lose a limb, an organ, or any other body part, once per day the user's severed body members (fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, legs, tails, broken bones, and ruined organs grow back. The physical regeneration is complete in 1 round if the severed members are present and touching the creature. It takes 15 rounds otherwise. Regenerate also heals Serious Damage within 15 rounds, and rids the subject of exhaustion and/or fatigue. It has no effect on nonliving creatures (including undead). This trait replaces 2 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 2 Freebies.

Thug
Rank: "C"
Skill: Heritage Trait
Effect: User was a killer, a brute, or a bully, capable of doing anything to get what they wanted.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User has +20 Skill points to divide as they wish among Appraisal, History, Intimidate, Local, and Tracking. At each Class Level the user gain an additional +5 Heritage skill Points to place in any one of these skills. User gains +1 Heritage Points per die roll when learning the skill. User gains a Heritage bonus on +10 Armour Points in Unarmed damage, or Heritage bonus on +30 Temporary Armour Points. In addition user gains a +1 bonus on all Fortitude Saves. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Heart of the Fields
Rank: "C"
Skill: Regional Trait
Effect: A trait that automatically increases the ability of Crafting per Class Level.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot gain any other Heart Traits.
Description: Must be raised in Rural Regions. Humans born in rural areas are used to hard labor. They gain a trait bonus equal to 5 per Class Level to any 1 Craft skill, and once per day they may ignore an effect that would cause them to become fatigued or exhausted. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Heavy Hitter
Rank: "C"
Skill: Regional Trait
Effect: User has trained in martial arts and so their blows are especially painful.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a +10 Armour Points Trait bonus on damage made with Unarmed attacks. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies.

Skills

SPOILER: Click to show

Soul Wavelength x6 [125 SP]
Rank: "D"
Skill: Skill
Effect: A performance Skill. User learns how to resonate their Skill to better use the Resonance Techniques found in the Mabuki Clan.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A skill that cannot be used untrained. This Skill works like other skills and belongs in part of Skill Category 1. Who the user can affect with the skill and what this performance does is dependent on the type of Resonance Technique the user knows. This Skill can only be used by creatures with Souls, whose souls are within their bodies (or in the case of Outsiders, creatures whose souls are their bodies). Look in Mabuki Clan found in the Clan's Index for more information. Each time learned user gets 5 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---

Acting x7 [55 SP]
Rank: "E"
Skill: Skill
Effect: Acting enables a character to skillfully portray various roles.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Acting is most often used as a form of entertainment, though it can also be useful in aiding a disguise or pulling a scam. A skilled actor knows how to research their role in order to provide a realistic portrayal to include mannerisms, speech patterns, dialect or jargon. The Acting skill also confers a cumulative 5% bonus (per level above Unskilled) to Disguise skill check rolls. The list below gives examples of Mastery and what the character can do.

• Unskilled || Give a stereotyped performance.
• Novice || Pretend to be a person whose background is not too dissimilar from the character’s own.
• Average || Play a role convincing to an audience not overly familiar with the part he’s portraying.
• Advanced || By observing and interacting with a member of a class or profession, he can pass himself off as said.
• Expert || Can independently ‘invent’ a role such as a lord, member of a cult, wealthy merchant, etc., and can dress and act the part with such skill that he can pass as that person.
• Master || Can successfully imitate any person well enough to fool anyone not intimately familiar with the person (barring visual familiarity).

If user has 25 or more Ranks in Acting user gains a Synergy Bonus +10 to Disguise (to act in character), Interpret/Perform Mime, Intimidate, and Sleight of Hand. Each time learned user gets 1 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---

Intimidate x15 [125 SP]
Rank: "E"
Skill: Sophisticated Skill
Effect: User can use this skill to frighten their opponents or to get them to act in a way that benefits the user.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Relevant Abilities: Presence Skill. Die Rolls: 1 Die Roll. Check Requirement: Game Master/Described. Opposed: Sense Motive. Characters use this skill to cause others to back down in a contest of wills, to make others afraid to fight. A successful opposed Skill check is necessary (the subject of the Intimidation uses Sense Motive's Resist Persuasion to counter). This skill includes verbal threats and displays of prowess. Synergy: A user with Acting gives a +5 per Mastery Level Synergy Bonus to Intimidate. Some practical applications of Intimidate follow:
Limit: Must learn from Skills.

Stealth x7 [73 SP]
Rank: "E"
Skill: Skill
Effect: The user is skilled at avoiding detection, allowing the user to slip past foes or strike from an unseen position. This skill covers hiding and moving silently.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Action Needed: Usually None. Normally, the user makes a Stealth check as part of a movement, so it does not take a separate movement; however, using Stealth immediately after a Ranged attack (see Sniping) is a movement. User can hide, move silently, create a diversion to hide, hide behind creatures, and snipe. If the user has 25 Skill points in Stealth they may reduce the Stealth penalty from sniping by 25. If the user has 50 Skill points in Stealth; Stealth check penalties for moving quickly are halved including the ability unlocked at 25 Skill points, moving at full movements, reaching concealment after creating a distraction, and etc. Each time learned user gets 1 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---

Observation x11 [84 SP]
Rank: "E"
Skill: Skill
Effect: This skill focuses certain powers of observation - sight, smell, hearing, and touch.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Can be learned by an Animal. A failed check indicates that the character is oblivious until the thing is pointed out to him. This skill is important for ferreting out advancing enemies or ambushes, generally real-time events and actions occurring, versus scrutiny, which covers static objects or areas. A Game Master may roll an Observation skill check for a Character any time there is an NPC, monster, event or happening that a character might notice, even if he did not specifically state that he is monitoring his surroundings. Characters are capable of noticing any event within their perception. Observation reveals only facts, not motivation. If user has 25 or more Ranks in Evidence Analysis user gains a Synergy Bonus +10 to Observation. Each time learned user gets 1 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---

[/i][/b]
Rank: "C" Always 20 Training Points
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User's eyes can pick up targets from far away.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User's base range increment is increased by +2 Meters.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous. Must know Observation.

Ears of the Fox
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User has an extremely keen sense of hearing.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User receives a +15 bonus to Observation checks pertaining to Listening. When the user rolls an Observation check pertaining to Listen with a -25 penalty, the user may wake up from a menacing noise.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous. Must know Observation Skill.[/ul]
Tracking x5 [125 SP]
Rank: "D"
Skill: Skill
Effect: Characters use this skill to follow the trail of animals and other persons.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Can be learned by an Animal. Tracking means the user found a trail if they gain the check, while failure means they did not. If user fails this initial skill check, they simply cannot find that particular trail. After finding a trail, further checks may be necessary depending on the situation. Darkness, falling rain/snow, a dust storm, moving from one terrain to another (such as from sand to rock), one trail splitting into 2 or crossing water are examples why a user might need another Tracking check. Look in Task Skills thread found in the Skills and Traits Index for more information. Each time learned user gets 5 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---[/spoiler]

Items

SPOILER: Click to show

Clairaudient Fly Fingers
Rank: "S"
Type: Main, Gadget, Surveillance, Transmitter
Effect: A device etched with gloves to allow the user to listen through walls.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Etched with copper wires, this leather glove has vibration sensitive disks in the fingertips that are each connected to a tiny bugle. When the activated fly fingers are pressed against a surface, the glove senses sound vibrations from the other side of the surface, amplifies them, and transmits them to the bugle. Most of these bugles are attached to headsets, piping the sound directly into the user’s ear, but the bugle can be detached from the headset if desired. Using clairaudient fly fingers allows the user to ignore some of the penalties associated with listening through solid objects. User can reduce the penalties by up to 25 per Technician's Craft Class Level. User must be touching the intervening wall or door to gain this bonus. For comparison, listening through a door or window usually increases Observation Skill check with Listening by 25 and listening through a 1-foot thick stone wall increases the check by 75. Clairaudient fly fingers only ignore check increases for listening through objects, not penalties for distance or distractions.
Limit: These type of items may be bought inside any Gadget Shop with a 15% chance.
Cost: 50,000 Ryo Each

Cloak of Hyūga
Rank: "S"
Type: Main, Slot Holder, 0 Slots, Clothing
Effect: Cloak of Hyūga is a specially designed Cloak developed by the Hyūga which gives better stealth depending on the type of environment.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: These cloaks can look like any cloak the creator wishes. These items can be cloaks, capes, shawls or any other shoulder equipment. Cloak of Hyūga are made out of the hide of Common Crocodiles. This cloak of neutral gray leather is indistinguishable from an ordinary cloak of the same color. However, when it is worn, with the hood drawn up around the head (or the head is covered), it enables the wearer to be nearly invisible. Outdoors, in natural surroundings, the wearer of the Cloak is almost totally invisible; in other settings, he is nearly so. However, the wearer is easily seen f violently or hastily moving, regardless of the surroundings. The invisibility bestowed in different surroundings is shown on the list below.
Outdoors, natural surroundings: Heavily Growth - +100 to Stealth
Outdoors, natural surroundings: Light Growth - +99 to Stealth
Outdoors, natural surroundings: Open Fields - +95 to Stealth
Outdoors, natural surroundings: Rocky Terrain - +98 to Stealth
Urban surroundings: Buildings - +90 to Stealth
Urban surroundings: Brightly lit room - +50 to Stealth
Underground: Torch/Lantern Light - +95 to Stealth
Underground: Darkvision - +90 to Stealth
Underground: Light/Continual Light Jutsu - +50 to Stealth

Witch Watch
Rank: "S"
Type: Main, Apparel, 8 slots(Each holds 1 harness gem only)
Effect: An Alchemic Watch that hold a Sending Gem capable of receiving and sending messages to another other such Devices. Can hold up to 8 additional Harness gems.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: This device was created by the current Earth Corner, Gosei Kazeraikou. Using unfinished Notes left by the Original Earth Corner Nicholas Flamel. These Watches come in 2 designs. [Design 1] is made of Gold and is to be worn as a pendant, or a brooch resembling a stop watch. The clock hands are held together underneath a Sending Gem. There are 8 slots for additional harness gems to be held. 7 positioned around the clock hands making a crescent moon shape, and 1 on the head of the brooch pin. [Design 2] is made of silver and resembles a Compact Mirror Pocket Watch. The clock hands on the inside, like the first, are held together underneath a Sending Gem. There are 8 slots on the 2nd design. 5 located around the clock hands in the shape of a Cresent Moon, and 2 located on the face of the outside covering. These Watch allow the witch to communicate with each other over vast distances, and produce a specific sound when coven members are calling. Coven Call Kinzoku was gifted his watch from Loki with a Hiriashin tag on it's rear.
Limit: This item is only available to the coven members, usually given out as a symbol of initiation into the coven itself.
Cost: 40,000 Ryo Each.
- Gems Slotted - 

• Devil's Heart
• Devil's Heart
  
• Gem of Energy (Orange - Moderate)
  
• Gem of Telekinesis
  
• Spirit Amber
• Empty
• Empty
• Empty

Shock Enhancement
Rank: "B"
Type: Main, Gadget, Mechanical, Weapon Enhancement
Effect: An enhancement that is attached into a bludgeoning weapons to increase the striking power with Electrical Damage.
Special: ---
Drawback: May Only Apply 1 Enhancement on Weapon.
Description: Picture Picture An enhancement that adds Electrical Damage to any striking attacks while using an Bludgeoning Weapon. Due to circuitry interwoven throughout the stun weapon, electricity is transferred from the components inside to an impact point, and causes the weapon to glow with yellow energy when activated. Normally used for crowd-control. Stuns an opponent for 1d4 movements. The Shock Enhancement releases 20 armour points worth of electrical damage on top of an attack. If the item makes continuous contact with a target it emits 10 Armour Points worth of Electrical Damage per second against said target. 10 Armour Points of Electrical damage may be transferred to another item (1 second activation) allowing that item to cause a single electrical attack on top of its own striking attack for 1/2 a round.
Limit: These items may be bought inside any Gadget Shop.
Cost: 20,000 Ryo

Gem of Insight Ring
Rank: "S"
Type: Secondary, 50 per Slot, Harnessed Gem
Effect: A harnessed Gem capable of giving the holder the ability to decide if an action is a right move or not.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Throughout the ages many people have tried to see into the future, to learn if a particular action or event will be for good or for ill. Diviners of all types, from palm readers to readers of chicken entrails have sought out future omens, but for many people the gem of insight is the most accurate method for divining the future. The gem of insight was discovered by accident. An unknown Alchemist had a small piece of mother of pearl, which was used as a worry stone. The Alchemist constantly rubbed the stone and produced a small oval depression. At some point the depression was worn to the right position where the gems natural Alchemical Properties was harnessed. The discovery and importance were not identified until many years later, but today skilled Alchemists are able to carve mother of pearl with the depression to release the Alchemical energy. To use the Gem of Insight a person must hold the gem in their hand and rub the stone with their thumb while thinking about the action or event for which they want to know the outcome. The Gem of Insight will not tell them the exact future, but it will tell the person if the action will be good or bad. If the action is good and bad the gem will tell the person this as well, and if the action is neither good nor bad it will tell the person nothing. The "telling" by the gem is a thought or feeling within the person and not an actual voice. The gem is not 100% accurate; it will give a meaningful response 90% of the time (A Game Master should roll secretly for the result). The Gem of Insight is only able to see about 30 minutes into the future. There is no limit to how many times a person can use the Gem of Insight.
Limit: These types of items may be bought inside any Alchemy Shop. With a 20% chance of finding.
Cost: 20,050 Ryo Each.

Gem of the Wise Stud
Rank: "S"
Type: Secondary, 50 per Slot, Harnessed Gem
Effect: A harnessed Gem that improves the wearer's institution and strengthens their willpower.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Jewelers are always after the perfect pearl, a flawless sphere that is the perfection of the oysters toil. While a perfect pearl may fetch a kingly sum, Alchemists and others who harness the natural Alchemical properties from gems and minerals will scoff at such a perfect specimen. For these people, the pearls true luster and Alchemy is only revealed in a seemingly flawed specimen. A pearl that has grown with 2 ovoid hemispheres that resembles a brain in shape allows the natural Alchemical properties to be harnessed. It is rare for a pearl to form naturally into this shape, and a highly specialized profession of culturing pearls to grow into this shape has cropped up. Even with growing cultured pearls, the chance of successfully growing a gem of the wise is slim. It requires a well-crafted seed to be prepared and then placed inside the oyster. After several years the oyster is opened and only then will the culture know if they were successful. The pearls natural Alchemical properties is released in a properly grown pearl. Holding or wearing the pearl improves the wearer’s intuition and strengthens their willpower. The bearer receives a +25 competence bonus to Sense Motive skill checks and a +4 competence bonus to Will saves.
Limit: These types of items may be bought inside any Alchemy Shop. With a 20% chance of finding.
Cost: 35,000 Ryo Each.

Grenade: Template x1
Rank: "S"
Type: Secondary, 3 per Slot, Explosive
Effect: A template item that combines 3 pouches to create a larger and more deadlier effect.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A grenade is a unique alchemical weapon that combines multiple splash weapons/explosives to increase its damage slightly while increasing its range significantly. Every grenade has a range of 15-meters-radius burst no matter the splash weapon/explosive combination. A grenade takes up 3 splash weapon/explosive to create. This can be used in any kind of combination of 3. For example, a user may combine 3 Explosion (Fire) to create an Explosion (Fire) Grenade, or an 1 Shriek Bomb and 2 Stormstone to create a Shriek Stormstone Grenade. Each splash weapon/explosive does 3/4 Damage of the total. Damage is sacrificed due to the combination of splash weapon/explosives while distance is significantly increased. Any splash weapon/explosive that does status damage (blindness, deafness, etc) does not increase, however the Save is increased by 1 per splash weapon/explosive used. For example: 1 Stormstone has an 18 Fortitude. If 3 are used to create a Grenade it will have a 21 Fortitude.
Limit: These items may be bought inside any Weapon Shop.
Cost: Price of each individual Splash Weapon/Explosive.

[/i][/b]
Rank: "A"
Type: Secondary, 15 per Slot, Chemicals & Compounds, Explosive
Effect: Produces a fiery explosion that can cause nearby opponents to start burning.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Mix the saltpeter and the sulfur in a congelation method. This will take 1 hour to create. This will make 1 standard-shot of "Dancing Star". The explosive may be programmed with a timer to explode up to 6 seconds. This explosive is especially effective against creatures that attack in swarms and are vulnerable to fire. It can also be used to ignite gas, and gas from other explosives. It will explode dealing 36 Armour Points of fire damage initially, plus an additional 18 Armour Points for 1 additional round to anyone within 8 meters radius burst of the blast.
Ingredients 2 thumb-vial of saltpeter. 4 thumb-vials of sulfur.
Limit: These types of items may be bought inside any Alchemist Shop.
Cost: 591 Ryo Each.[/ul]
Hate
Rank: "S"
Type: Secondary, 100 per Slot, Ingestibles, Philter
Effect: This is a coarse, black powder that is both odorless and flavorless. Consuming this product, the being who consumes it will experience overwhelming feelings of hatred.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Mix the powdered white-vein leaves with the fal granite. Using a mortar and pestle, crush this combined mixture into as fine a powder as possible. This powder is then heated over a fire until it turns black. This will make 1 coin-canister of "Hate", which is the necessary amount for 1 use. It is generally considered inappropriate to use this alchemy product, and its use is most always frowned upon. Use with caution. This powder can either be eaten as is or mixed into a drink or with food. Within 1 hour of consuming this product, the being who consumes it will experience overwhelming feelings of hatred towards those he or she previously considered enemies or felt any degree of dislike towards. They will also experience strong feelings of dislike towards those previously thought of as friends. Consuming this product while under the effects of the alchemy product "Love" will only neutralize the effects of "Love" and not produce the negative emotions previously described. "Hate" powder only lasts for approximately 6 hours before fading away.
Ingredients 1/2 coin-canister of white-vein leaves (dried out and crushed into a fine powder). 1/2 coin-canister of crushed fal granite.
Limit: These types of items may be bought inside any Alchemist Shop.
Cost: 11,298 Ryo Each.

Magic Bling - Diamond (Worth: 150,000 RYO)

Military Rations Pills x4
Rank: "S"
Type: Secondary, 100 per Slot, Ingestibles, Bolus
Effect: Pills negating eating and thirst, increases the ability to with stand sleep and fatigue, restores chakra, grants Temporary Armour Points, Toughness, and Damage Reduction.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Decoct the Mandrake root in water. Filter it into powdered Groundelder. Grind the 2 together. Boil the 2 standard-shots of corpse skink meat through a filtration and apply all ingredients with the mulungu resin using a ceration. Allow the mulungu resin to harden. This takes 30 minutes to create. This creates 1 thumb-vial of "Military Rations Pill". Military Rations Pills are special pills that replenish one's chakra and nourish the body. The user gains 10 temporary Armour Points per crafter's alchemy mastery. User also restores 1/3rd of their chakra (honor based) for 24 hours. For 24 hours (or until chakra is used, whichever is quicker), the user will be able to ignore starvation and thirst and gain +4 Alchemical bonus to saves against sleep, and fatigue. If the character becomes fatigued, the penalties still apply normally, but the user can run nor do they do not become exhausted. User also gain a +4 alchemical bonus to Toughness and a Damage Reduction 1/— per alchemy mastery). User can no longer feel Pain effects. Pain effects do not affect the target until the duration of the effects. This does not negate any physical damage, ability damage, that a pain effect has already done, but it does negate ongoing penalties from pain while the effects last. Once the effects fade, the user will be fatigued until they take a full rest (Fortitude save 15 for half). The effects of the soldier pill do not stack, and do not refresh the effects. If the user is knocked unconscious for 1 or more hours, the effect immediately fades, and the character becomes fatigued. (When purchasing in an NPC store all effects are treated with Advanced Mastery).
Ingredients 1 coin-vial of groundelder. 1 standard-vial of mandrake. 1 standard-vial of mulungu resin. 2 standard-shots of corpse skink powdered meat.
Limit: These types of items may be bought inside any Alchemist Shop.
Cost: 1,170 Ryo Each.

Skull of Strength Ring
Rank: "S"
Type: Secondary, 15 per Slot, Harnessed Gem
Effect: A harnessed Gem that gives TaiJutsu Damage strength to those who has the skull.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A skull of strength is carved from a flawless crystal of amethyst of a light violet color. The skull that is carved is about 2 inches in height. Once carved, the skull’s natural alchemical properties are released. When a person carries or holds a skull of strength, their strength increases by increasing all TaiJutsu Damage by +4. Scratching or otherwise damaging the skull negates its alchemical property.
Limit: These types of items may be bought inside any Alchemy Shop. With a 25% chance of finding.
Cost: 8,500 Ryo Each.

Butt Bag Type 1
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Tailor, Slot Holder, Holds 15 Slots (15 for Items of Scroll Length), Bag
Effect: A waist pack worn with the pouch in back.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Picture A pack worn at the back along a belt at the waist. Water repellent collar with drawstring pack with quick release closures attached to 1 inch cinch straps and a top carry handle. It has a vented bottom with keeper clips to attach to the belt, or straps to wrap around a belt. The compartment has the dimensions Height of 10.25 inches Width of 10.5 inches and Depth of 7 inches. The interior holds 15 slots of scroll length as well as main objects that fit in the same dimensions. Normally extra clothes is held in this spot as well as other non combative supplies.
Limit: These type of items may be bought inside any Tailor Shop.
Cost: 1,700 Ryo

Kunai x2
Rank: "C" Rank
Type: Secondary, 2 per Slot, Piercing/Slashing, Knife
Effect: A kunai is a tool derived from the masonry trowel.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A Light Weapon. These weapons do +4 Amour Points of Damage. The Range Increment of this weapon is 5 meters. A kunai has a blade that is about less than 1 foot in length. The user gains a +10 bonus on Sleight of Hand Skill to conceal a knife on their body.
Limit: These items may be bought inside any Weapon Shop.
Cost: 1,000 Ryo per Slot, or 500 Ryo Each.

Shuriken, Hira x10
Rank: "C" Rank
Type: Secondary, 15 per Slot, Piercing, Shuriken
Effect: A shuriken is a small piece of metal with sharpened edges, designed for throwing.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A Light Weapon. These weapons do +2 Amour Points of Damage. The Range Increment of this weapon is 5 meters. Although they are thrown weapons, shuriken are quick and easy to draw, thus allowing the user to draw such weapons without the need of a movement. A shuriken can't be used as a melee weapon. Hira-shuriken are constructed from thin, flat plates of metal and generally resemble popular conceptions of shuriken.
Limit: These items may be bought inside any Weapon Shop.
Cost: 1,500 Ryo per Slot, or 100 Ryo Each.[/spoiler][/blockquote]

[Deleted]

The time hit 11:30 exactly. When it did the mouth of the wolf figurine would slowly open revealing a projector lens. A obscurating eye would open up and it would project a hologram of Shiki Senri in front of the group. Standing at the same height and stature the hologram would be just as pale as the real person. Shiki would stand there without being able to see anyone in the room itself.

"For those of you that made it... Thank you for showing up. I'm going to be really to the point. You are here in this room because you are someone that I trust with the following information and to keep it safe. Amira, the Kazekage is dying. It's a terminal illness that is beyond the means to cure. It goes without saying that I do not accept this answer. Over the last few weeks I've had my informants scour for any sort of lead for a potential cure or even anything that could buy us more time to get a more solid solution.

I would normally track this down myself. But, with the kazekage as weak as she is. I can't leave the village. If word got out to any of the other villages at just how vulnerable we are right now, we could risk a war and potentially destabilizing the peace we have worked so hard to broker. I have chosen you because you are the only ones I would consider trusting with the life of one of my friends.

There is a mysterious Tamari settlement on the south eastern seas of Sunagakure that have some sort of reported miracle drug that has allowed the citizens to live in that area free from disease, death and hardship with the daily intake of a single pill.

Tamarian's can best be defined as ambitious, paranoid and power hungry. The one fundamental rule of house Tamari is that there are no rules. If you were to steal an object of value and avoid capture or death from it's owner then clearly you deserve what you stole. Murdering your opponents and rivals with magic and guile has always been how this house has solved it's problems. If you win, clearly your argument has more merit.

Traditionally isolationists, The wizard lords of house Tamari pursue wisdom and mastery in solitude. But ambitious Wizards, their retainers, and their clients have entered whole-heartedly into the competition to control and exploit the land of wind's resources, by building towers and bases all along the eastern sands. While not exactly a reaching political organization with centralized consolidated power. The fickle wizard lords of house Tamari band together when the single power of one cannot achieve their desired goals. To a Tamarian unlocking the secrets to magic confers power to the wizard and power confers the right to rule.

Tamarians have little respect for anyone other than themselves, including other members of House Tamari. Living in massive branching, living towers made of tree's or mushrooms devoid of stairs or traditional means of climbing. This not only gives them more seclusion, but acts as a sort of test to see if their visitors are worthy. A person who is unable to mold chakra, bend the power of their soul into energies or someone too reliant on physical strength would find themselves mocked, ignored and uninvited into house Telmari.

Many Tamari are known to be necromancers using their vast wealth and slaves to perform powerful blood magic. In times of war Tamarian streets run crimson as rivers of blood are spilled to provide power to their wizard lords, in the form of powerful spells while their bodies are used to create undead armies. The dark magics of necromancy have driven many a Telmarian mad with the practice, and their retainers are often involved in illicit activity, making House Tamari unpopular among other Houses, although most Tamri do not care. House Tamari is the main source of business for the slave trade in the land of wind, although their slaves are not truly necessary for work, many slaves are kept as serfs until they are needed for their blood or bodies. Many if not most of the oldest Tamarian wizards living on the furthest eastern deserts of the land of wind are thought to be either Vampires or Liches.

In totality, House Tamari is quite obscenely wealthy. Some accounts claim that as a whole, the House has a net worth rivaling the riches of the entire countries. In this way, it is very fortunate that Tamarians typically, have very little regard for material prosperity. Much of this financial resource is greatly hindered by the fact that most Tamarians exhaust their resources with ceaseless bickering and infighting. It is not uncommon for cities to change hands between the ownership of one, two or perhaps even three Tamarian wizard lords over the course of several months over minuscule arguments and disagreements between the mage lords. These quasi wars sometimes continue on for centuries with acts of subterfuge and posturing eventually escalating into full blown blood wars.

Often, the citizens of Tamarian cities do not care much for or even notice the contentious internal politics of the Temarian wizard lords, as abstract petty vendettas between wealthy, never-seen plutocrats and their armies of paid agents rarely interrupt the lives of the common serf. A few notable exceptions have broken the silence of recent times. Often when a rival wizard lord see's another gaining too much power it is not uncommon for them to order the full massacre of their agents to stunt their powers.

Needless to say, convincing the wizard lords of this particular settlement of Tam Korre is going to be difficult and will probably require a ton of political leverage and a litany of political favors. Many of which will most likely be life threatening. Glad I'm not doing this one. Tamrian's have a tendency to piss me off.

Tam Korre is a Tamrian settlement on the south eastern coast of the land of wind. The population of the coastal town is close to 350 thousand people. The city is a massive sprawling mega complex of towering mushroom towers and activity. The following grid coordinates are the location to the city. I'm handing out the coordinates now. They don't know you are coming so approach this however you want. But I need this information validated and if possible a sample of this drug recovered."

The hologram would pause for a moment flickering. Eventually the image would flicker out and the the wolf figurine would pulse with electricity before frying itself.

[Deleted]

The message concluded, Titania ejected her clip of stardard ammunition from her rifle and loaded up her hi-ex clip.

"Clear the room."

From outside the two meter blast radius, she took aim at the wolf sculpture and fired, whether or not the other two complied. The recording was almost certain to be obliterated.


"You heard the Commander - not a word of this gets out. We move now, talk strategy on the way, but I won't let travel time be wasted."


Her tutor was dying? Her kage was dying? Unacceptable. This could compromise her goals after all the effort shed put into cultivating a connection with the woman.

The Commander was another connection, and Amira's heir apparent, but he was too quick to resort to military force for her to be eager to install him to the highest office. He might keep her busy on the front, instead of her ideal career in the rear.

No, they were going to obtain this miracle medicine. And not only a sample. All if it. Even if it meant she had to reduce their entire city to rubble. After all, it was their own rule - if you can take it, no matter what methods involved, it belongs to you.

She set off immediately. The desert was her territory. The others would just have to keep up.

[Kinzoku]

Kinzoku smiled and politely declined the bowl of tonkotsu, though it smelled delicious. He had eaten before arriving and was too curious about what was going on than to eat. Not to mention, the other two had masks on which did not really disperse suspicion.

"Maybe later."

As he watched the hologram, he made mental notes of everything that Shiki had said. A place where valuables were not measured by artifacts, but more of power and knowledge? Sounded like his type of place. Either way, this was a mission, and that being said, he was not going to fail.

Once the recording finished, Kinzoku would see the wolf fry itself. And after it did, he would here a familiar voice say to clear the room. As the clip fell from the rifle, Kinzoku reached out to attempt to grab the rifle and point it up before it was reloaded and set off. If he was successful, he hoped it would stop Titania from firing it.

"I understand your eagerness to save your Kage but we can not be brash. We have to be smart and tactical. If you fire that rifle, not only will the sound attract others to this location, but depending on how good they are, they could track us and disrupt our operation."

Though he knew the souls behind the masks, Kinzoku was the only one there without a mask on and therefore his expression was the clearest, even in that dark room. He was serious about this. If he did in fact stop Titania from firing (and in turn, leaving), he would grab the wolf and crush it in his hands by turning his hands into metal (which would not be seen under the gloves). Though it was not his kage, it was his friend that reached out to him for help and he would make sure this mission went through flawlessly.

"As far as traveling, we should make a formation to travel in to make sure all our sides are covered. Running aimlessly through the night would make us an easy target for an ambush. From what I sense form your souls, I think the genjutsu user should lead. Not only are you more familiar with this land than I am, but you can discern any genjutsu traps disguised from the rest of us. The medic should follow suit as your role will probably be the most important if things go south and we want to make sure you are covered. I will take the flank as I can cover multiple angles and would prefer for me to be attacked from the back than the rest of you since I can tank it. Any objections?"

[Hamura]

Without as much as a second thought, Hamura took off his mask and put it into his cloak. Right now, it didn't matter much if people knew what he looked like or not, mostly since they were all supposedly in this together. Besides, if Shiki trusted this guy, he would choose to do the same until circumstances proved to him that he could not. Since everyone else seemed to be too busy, Hamura decided to help himself to some of the food he had prepared for the entire party. By the time a transparent version of Shiki arrived, he had already filled his bowl up to the brim with Ramen. Working it down at his usual pace, he listened closely to what he was being told while trying to get a read on the room as he ate.

By the time he emptied his bowl, he had come to learn that the Kazekage was apparently dying due to some kind of terminal sickness. Speaking to the medical part of him, he was quite interested in the disease they were talking about, but aside from that, could not care a whole lot. While it might have sounded cold, he had never met the Kazekage, and therefore had a hard time relating to this women. So, while he listened, he took two of the pork cutlets from the other container and smothered them in soy sauce. Feeling it wise to get some solid foods in his stomach before they were to be going, his ears were struck by something that interested him quite a bit.

As someone who took pride in his intellectual prowess over his physical skill, the fact that they were likely to be dealing with people some considered to be vampires or liches, it seemed that some of the training and studying he had been doing into the subject was soon to bear fruit. If nothing else, the fact that he spoke the language of the dead and the abyss would likely prove useful. As he listened to the briefing and worked down his food in record time, he even found the time to work down a second bowl of Ramen, slurping it down without a care in the world. While the others in the room might have considered it rather impolite, the same could be said for those who refused his food. But regardless of that, he had never cared for the opinions of others, and would not start doing so now.

At the end of the briefing, Hamura rose from his seat and listened to an overenthusiastic kid about how they were supposed to move back. Spotting the appearance of a rifle, it seemed that the girl was planning on blowing up the wolf figurine, as well as letting everyone who might be within earshot of such a thing know where they were. As a barely noticeable grin appeared on his face, he placed his mask back over his face before crossing his arms in front of his chest. With the other guy moving in order to intercept the girl from firing her weapon, he figured that the damage would likely be averted. Still, he chose to move outside and wait for the others there. Since the containers he had brought with him belonged to the hotel, he could not be bothered to take them with him to their destination.

By the time the other two made it outside, he heard how the girl brought up the fact that their "Commander" had told them not to discuss what they had heard with anyone. At the same time, she also felt that she was within her rights to order him around by stating that they would move to their destination straight away and discuss things along the way. Before he could get a word in however, it seemed that the third member of their party also had a thing or two to say. Listening closely to what he had to say, he did not want to come across as the kind of guy that wanted to object without even listening to what had been said. Still, he was going to object to it regardless, based on what had been brought up and him not enjoying such a treatment to begin with.

"Several objections, actually. First of all, while I enjoy the sentiment, my medical skills are.. sub-par to say the least, so moving in a manner that protects me from harm is hardly necessary. While I do agree with your analysis regarding the spotting of illusory traps and the like, I would suggest keeping me in the center and well within earshot for a few simple reasons. The first and foremost being that I've trained for this quite a bit, and am likely the best navigator in this ragtag bunch. Aside from that, I'm fairly sure that I am the only person here who speaks a wider variety of languages and has remained…. mostly unaffected by this news. As such, I'll be assuming command from this point forward."

With that, he felt that he had already shared more than enough of his thoughts with the rest of the crew. The fact that he had been studying various fields allowed his investigative prowess, his tracking and navigation capabilities and the languages he spoke and understood to excel quite a bit, making him into someone who was more than fit to lead such a crew that had no apparent leadership. Aside from that, the fact that he did not know the Kazekage at all meant that he could make decisions with a clear head and conscience, which was more than could be said for the other Sand ninja. And finally, the fact that the other guy was an outsider made him feel like he already had a strike above him as a Sand shinobi himself.

"If anyone has a problem with that, feel free to bring it up and I'll pretend to care. Now, I say we stick to the formation brought up by our foreign friend and move towards our destination with haste."

[Deleted]

Touching her rifle was a mistake. The Hokage might not be able to see her face but she wadn't going to let that go without reprisal, using the aikido training she had received from Amira herself to step into the taller boy, lifting his arm with her rifle as she moved behind him, and using the position of leverage to gently lower him to the floor. Aggressively tossing him was an option, but he was the Hokage, and supposedly a trusted ally.

"Do whatever you want, Hokage, but don't touch my rifle."

She turned and left, allowing him to destroy the figurine in his own way. She didn't care who wanted to play at being in charge, and had no interest in the discussion. Nobody here was in charge. The Commandee was. All they had to do was follow his orders. The sooner the others got over themselves long enough to realize that, the sooner they could get to working with her to save Amira.

Both of them had offended her in the span of mere moments, first slurping loudly through the briefing and then deciding she was fool enough not to know in advance if anyone was around to hear.

This place was in the middle of nowhere, abandoned, and no large enough life forces to care about existed anywhere within 50 meters or she would know.

Moreover, they assumed they knew everything about her already. They knew nothing. Foremost, she was not an expert on genjutsu, and to assume that based only on her size was profiling. She did not intent to disabuse him of the notion.

Eventually they would catch up to her, if they cared to. If not, she was fine with making this a solo endeavor. This was too important to waste time with. Im the event thy bothered keeping up, she intended to admonish them for bothering with power struggles now. She spoke not as Titania Lemegeton but as the Emmisary of the Wolf, who spoke as the voice of the Commander where he could not.

"If you two are done with your testosterone fuelled posturing, we have a job to do. You in particular should be ashamed of yourself, Arbiter. You know better. We already have a leader, and it isn't any of us three."

She pulled back her hood, freeing her blonde ponytail, and removed her mask, turning to glare back at the pair of them, her eyes glowing a violent crimson. She could se behind herself just fine, but her displeasure wouldn't be visible if they couldn't see her face.

[Hamura]

"Interesting. If you know of the name I've been given, you should know that my say in the matter is final. In the absence of Shiki, I'm taking command for obvious reasons. And don't worry, I won't deviate from the plan, though I do wish to see things through without others letting personal feelings get in the way of the goal."

With that, he hoped that he could quell the girl from speaking out of turn any further. She might have been given a fancy title that allowed her to speak for their leader during their absence, though the same thing went for him, and his title as Arbiter meant that his word was final. After all, the very textbook definition of his title was that of someone who settled disputes and had ultimate authority in a matter. Mixed with previously stated facts, he was probably the most likely person to get things done when it meant dealing with the people Shiki had described. He was, after all, a scholar before being a Shinobi, something he was very well aware of as his actual combat skill felt lacking when compared to his intellectual prowess. That said, he still had a thing or two to tell the girl and the apparent Hokage.

"So if you truly, and I mean truly wish to save your Kazekage, I suggest you fall in line as we can't have three people calling the shots and doing whatever the hell they want to, and that includes you. Your feelings for the Kazekage are clearly affecting your judgement, so see to it that you calm your emotions before you get all of us, including yourself and the person you wish to protect killed.."

Now that he had brought up his issues with the way in which things were being handled right now, he figured that the girl would be able to at least see the error in her ways, seeing as she had been oh-so-keen on pointing out those of others. To him, it felt odd that the person who insisted on trying to fire a rifle in an undisclosed location before just dashing off in search of a cure for the Kazekage would even dare to point out such things while she herself acted as a completely unguided projectile that cared little for proper procedures and tactical planning. At least the Hokage seemed smart enough to discuss such things properly. For even though he had brought up a reasoning that, in Hamura's point of view was not required, the actual positioning of the group was on point, which meant that they were going to go with that.

"Now, before we get into an actual argument, I suggest you move into the position suggested by the Hokage and check for any illusionary traps we might encounter along the way. The people we are supposedly dealing with seem to be of the type that wouldn't happily share in the wealth and knowledge they have gathered over the course of their long lives, so we need to take every precaution we can. That includes not dashing off and sticking with the group and the chain of command."

[Kinzoku]

As the small figure lifted her rifle and stepped into Kinzoku, he released the gun and prepared himself to counter a strike to the abdomen. He was unsure the small one's intention, but he was not going to allow her to assault him. Luckily for her, she stepped behind him, which deescalated the situation a bit.

After he listened to the other's words, he took mental notes of the two. It seemed they highly regarded titles and a hierarchy. Either way, he led a village and thus did not care for titles. Therefore, though he was the Hokage and a Chunin, he did not care if he was the leader or not. If something wasn't right, or he disagreed with a decision, he would address it then.

But one thing he was not going to do was let some rash behavior ruin his chances to complete this mission. He could care less who was what. He didn't think of himself above or below Shiki, they were friends. And he was going to complete this favor for his friend.

As the group began to remove their masks, Kinzoku saw he was correct in the familiar souls. While the childish remarks were thrown around, Kinzoku decided not to respond. He was here to get a job done, and that meant being tactical.

"No disrespect, but I really don't care for who is named the leader. If I do not agree with something, I will interject. Until then I don't mind collaborating ideas or plans to get to complete this mission. Shiki might be your commander or whatever but he is my friend so I don't fall above or below any of you in your hierarchy. That being said, as he is a dear friend, I will not fail him."

After he spoke, Kinzoku would put his hood back on activating the cloaks invisibility. Once the other two were ready to take off he would follow suit. It seemed while the Arbiter was a bit too eager to lead, he still listened to reason and was tactical which would be beneficial as he would be easy to work with as long as he was convinced. The Emissary seemed more of a strong willed person who always believed she was right. That would be easy to deal with as well as if she got out of hand and risk the mission, she could be subdued.

[Deleted]

Nuisances, both of them. These were the people the commander trusted with his life? Unbelievable. It was a sovereign act of god he wasn't dead already himself. The Hokage was one thing, but the Arbiter was far too full of himself, assumed he knew more than he really did, and blathered on about it for far too long, wasting time and breath. Titania believed more firmly with his every word that she was better off alone. She was surrounded by arrogant fools.

At least the issue of leadership was settled for the moment. She out her mask back on, the expressionless sheet of metal hiding her undisguised disgust.

"I don't care which one of you wants to call themselves the leader, just don't let your arguing slow us down. If we aren't there before sunrise, the Hokage is going to get a first hand introduction to day time in the Desert of Wind. He's not going to have a good time, dressed like that, and it could jeopardize the mission. You wanted me in the front anyway, so keep up. And if it isn't about dealing with the Tamarians, save your breath. You'll need it.

"Oh and for the record, Hokage, whatever skill or item it is that makes you think you know who you're dealing with, you might want to get it checked. You're two for two on getting it wrong with us. I'm no genjutsu expert, and I certainly can't detect or dispel illusions and enchantments. What I can do, is tell you that we are utterly alone. Not a single living thing larger than a scorpion in any direction."


She had spoken more than she had originally intended, but these useless boys playing at men frustrated her so that if she didn't vent at least a little she might have shot them on the spot for treason - jeapardizing mission results. But thanks to that waste of breath, compounded with her physical weakness, she found her pace slowing and her breath becoming more labored. Damn them both. They were going to get themselves killed, and drag her down with them at this rate.

[Kinzoku]

Kinzoku shook his head, which was disguised by the invisibility. The pestering child was growing bothersome, but he could not afford to let her words aggravate him.

"You should pay more attention to detail. I said user, not master. It is what resonates in your soul. Maybe you just haven't found your calling or ventured into that specialty. But trust me, I'm more than qualified and experienced for this mission."

As he spoke, he tried to sound as nice as possible as this girl was becoming a nuisance. He reminded himself to keep calm as this headache was just a means to an end. This mission would be completed soon and the encounter would be over with.

[Deleted]

It was quickly approaching midnight. The moon was full and moon beams traced through the broken rafters in the house. A shallow desert wind blew dust now visible under the low light of the moon. The group seemed to be reaching a consensus on what to do. From their estimations left by Shiki it would take an average of 14 days by foot to reach the destination following the roads that would lead across the safest path towards Tam Korre. However, a quicker path through a massive bandit infested canyon and a large expanse of desert would reduce their travel time down to 6 days. With time one of the more limiting resources they had the group would need to organize and move soon.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE!

Survival options!

A.) Take the road! Party will auto travel along the road to reach the destination. No chance of random encounters however the time traveled may impact story elements of the mission.

B.) Brave the Sands of Suna!

Overview:
For this journey I've calculated everyone's needs and wants based on their Specs. Each day that passes will require you to consume 3 unit of food, and 6 units of water to make up 1 "day" of travel for the whole party. Traveling during the day raises the amount of water required by 2 per party member. Traveling by night reduces the distance traveled by 1/2 (unless party has night vision or light sources) by 1/2. Party may elect to travel twice the speed at the consumption of +2 water and +2 food per person.

With the plenty stones ALREADY taken into account. The party has 12 units of food and 24 units of water. Proper scouting, good survival rp, acceptable writing to properly explain how you increased your survival odds can all add or in poor cases, detract from your supplies on the way.

[Deleted]

At this pace there was no way they would reach the city within the week, let alone before morning. This is what happens when you have to drag a foreigner through territory they aren't accustomed to. Though, it wasn't entirely the fault of the Hokage. Even though she had gotten her own agitation under control, it had exacerbated her weakness and slowed her pace. At least she managed to avoid falling into a caughing fit. That would have ruined her credibility for sure. And the distortion caused by her mask could hide the wheezing in her voice.

"Arbiter, a decision."

He wanted to lead? Believed himself to be more qualified than the commander himself? Let him make the call then.

"We aren't going to make it in one night at this pace. Not even several nights. I don't know about you, but I don't have a full week's worth of provisions, let alone more. We could cut directly across the desert to make up some time, which is what I was going to do anyway if you two continued arguing for much longer, but that's not going to be easy on the Hokage.

"We can make it easier on him by travelling at night and making camp through the hottest part of the day, but there's not going to be any light other than the moon and stars. Theres a good chance of that slowing us back down, still faster than the road though."

She left a long gap for the others to offer input, but also to catch her breath before she could continue.

"Depending on our pace, we might need to get more supplies. I know this desert better than anyone, and there's a simple way we can restock. Simple, but not easy. There's a group of bandits that have been causing trouble. Organized, equipped, entrenched.

"I...would prefer if we could get to our destination as quickly as possible, but we can take a detour to kill them and raid their supplies. The commander would probably approve of that. It would make the region that much safer, but it would be time wasted not walking, and if we let them go long enough the local landowners might offer to pay us for a proper mission to take them out."

[Kinzoku]

As they traveled, Kinzoku remained with his hood up, keeping him invisible. Though Titania was not incorrect about Kinzoku being a foreigner to the land of wind, the cloak was not retaining the heat. Since it was made of crocodile scales, it was breathable and air traveled freely between the scales. Also, since it was not made of any metal, it would not holding in the heat from the Sun during the day, but instead would reflect it. Unfortunately, that did not change the fact that the climate was different than what he was used to.

"I appreciate the sentiment, but whatever path we choose, I will be fine with. Though I agree with Titania that restocking on supplies and cutting down time could be the most beneficial. Not to mention, if they are bandits, I'm sure they've tried to steal from wealthy people, such as the Tamarians. Maybe they could give us a bit more information about them as well."

He waited to see what the other member of their group had to say. But the choice seemed obvious.

"Also, we all have met before while sparring in Hi no Kuni but you and I have never exchanged names, 'Arbiter'. My name is Kinzoku. Might I ask yours?"

Names made it easier to communicate. Also, it was honorable to give your name when meeting someone, even if they were to be on the other side of the battlefield. Kinzoku just hoped the Arbiter felt the same.

[Hamura]

As they moved towards their destination, he decided to ignore the words that were being thrown around for a while. In his mind, he had already taken command of the party until they had seen things through, or got killed. However, when he heard the word "Arbiter", his attention was pulled towards the girl from the Sand, who claimed that it was time to make a decision. Whether she was being sarcastic or actually settled on him becoming the leader did not matter all that much to him. What mattered that he was going to have to make an educated decision that would boost them as a group.

After hearing out both Titania and the Hokage regarding to their opinions on the matter, as well as the additional bits they had been considering might be important, the young Shinobi started thinking to himself. Feeling that traveling at night would be best because he too did not care much for the burning rays of sunlight that would come down on them for several hours without as much as a single cloud temporarily breaking the punishment, it would also become quite a bit easier for him to navigate once the stars were high up in the sky for all to see. Besides, if things really would become an issue for the Hokage, he could exactly leave him behind.

To him, it did not matter much who had been chosen by Shiki to undertake this mission, not even a little bit. While it was nice that he at least trusted them, the fact that Hamura knew little to nothing about them made it hard for him to properly assess their abilities or give them even a modicum of trust. To many people in the Hidden Sand, he was still nothing more than an outsider who had done nothing to prove himself loyal to the village, and they weren't exactly wrong in thinking that way. All he had really done was prepare for the Chuunin Exams, get stronger and increase his mental capacities through both training and studying for days. Perhaps that even made him a bit more on edge when it came to dealing with people like these.

Still, he had to make a decision, and as things were now, traveling by night seemed to be the best way of going about it. And while there were some magical stones that could provide them with food, they would do well to stack up on some additional supplies. With his drinking jug, Hamura could store water and keep it fresh for a good period of time, not to mention that he could actually create drinkable water or even cool the group down by creating a patch of ice for them to rest in. But until such things were actually needed, he would prefer for them to keep moving, hoping that the rest of the party would be able to trust him, based on the decision he would end up making.

"Normally, I would be the first person to go after a bunch of raiders and take them down, though doing so now would certainly add to our traveling time. At the same time, some of us would also run the risk of getting hurt, which would mean this entire mission could go up in flames in a matter of seconds, meaning the Kazekage is as good as dead."

With those words coming out of his mouth, he took a momentary breather in order to properly formulate what he was going to have to say next. Seeing as he had already decided that they would be traveling by night, they would end up losing quite a bit of time if they wouldn't move during the day at all. Figuring that he'd need to give them some kind of incentive to follow him across the desert. As his belly was already quite full, he wouldn't need to worry about things for the time being. That, and he could always share some of the food he had with him in the stone with the rest of the party. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he felt like just moving straight through the desert would be the wiser play. After all, he could actually keep the rest of his party safe.

"Seeing as the nights get relatively cold and the days really hot, we would only have roughly seven hours of travel time between the sun truly setting and it coming back up and burning our hides. If we play our cards right, I could create temporary resting stations with water and ice alike so we could keep moving even during the day. As long as we move in a way that allows us to cut straight through the desert, I'll personally see to it that we all get there without the sun killing us. And after that, we can always stock up on supplies for the way back once we get to the settlement and take these bandits out on the way home."

As a show of good faith, he held out his hand and formed a single seal, causing the tiniest sliver of frost to dance around his fingers before it evaporated back into nothingness. Hopefully, that alone would have been proof enough to show that he could actually create places that would allow them to protect themselves from the rays of the sun, meaning they would be capable of moving both during the day and during the night without having to worry too much about things. Being ready to address the final portion of his statement to the group, he figured that if they did trust him and his abilities, they would be able to get to their destination without too many issues.

"For now, I can see that ensuring the survival of the Kazekage would be in our best interests, as well as that of the rest of the country. Whatever these bandits end up doing before we can come back to get them will be on me, and I'll take full responsibility for it. But as things are now, we need to ensure the future of our country before taking care of lesser threats. Also Hokage, you may call me Hōsōshi. Once this is all over, i'll be sure to tell you my full name. But until that time comes, we go straight towards the Tamarian city."

[Deleted]

"Tanya," she offered to Kinzoku as a name. "Arbiter is rigght, we should save our breath for now and use simple names. We can talk at length before dealing with the Tamarians.

"I agree, best to reach the city as soon as possible, but take care not to overdo it. If negotiations break down with the Tamarians, we might have a fight on our hands. We won't be taking a straight line though. Hiking directly up the larger dunes is a waste of strength that won't profit us in time at all. We snake around them."

While it was true that she was the most acquainted with this desert's moods and landmarks out of the group, having an adult's comprehension of geography and having been raised in it, something bothered her.

That was the fact that before now, she had never heard of this city or these people before. She knew roughly where to go based on the Commander's coordinates, but how had he known about it in the first place? Something to ask him later.

All this talk and strategizing, but none of them stopped moving throughout. This was too important. Since she was at the head of the party anyway as a scout and guide, sbe just diverted course to head through the heart of the desert.

There was one more thing she didn't mention, but she expected the others to be at least vaguely aware of. The deeper into the wild they moved, the more the sun wouldn't be the only danger. Monsters and certain dangerous animals that avoided civilization calles the desert their home. But of course they did, because it was like that everywhere, right?

[Kinzoku]

Kinzoku listened to everything his new teammates had to say. It seemed they were going to take the long route and avoid confrontation. Either way was fine for him, but there was a way where they could do both.

"I actually have a third option. We could take the long route as suggested and I could send some clones to clean out the bandits. That way the clones could scavenge for supplies and bring them to us. It doesn't hinder us at all and we get the supplies hand delivered to us."

Kinzoku then took a breath and gave the group a moment to think it over before starting up again.

"That being said, I do understand the importance of conserving energy at this point so if we do not feel that is needed, I will refrain. Also, I can provide some shelter from the sun as well, in order not to put so much strain on Hōsōshi."

Since the path was shorter, the clones should be to the destination before them, even with the time taken out to attack the bandits. With the new set of supplies, the clones could then either intercept the team or meet them at the destination. The plan made sense, but then again so did conserving energy but Kinzoku had ways to deal with that. Right now, he would do whatever the team felt best.

[Hamura]

"You both raise some valid points, and I feel it best to at the very least address them head on to avoid any confusion. In regards to the Tamarians, there is in fact always the chance of things escalating, though we need to stay vigilant and make sure that does not happen. Since I am not sure if either of you really know of the kind of people that they are aside from Shiki's explanation, I suggest you allow me to speak to them first. Seeing as how they are the kind that need to be impressed before we can even get to the point of speaking to them, I have a few tricks up my sleeve that Should do just that."

Pausing for a moment, he made sure to follow the new direction they had decided they would be going into. While it bothered him to let a group of bandits go, he knew that it was important to look at things from a pragmatic point of view. If the Kazekage were to die, they would have far worse things to worry about than just a group of bandits. Knowing that political issues would certainly arise if the Kazekage were to die and a new election process were to be started up, more people might defect and become bandits themselves if they were not to like how things turned out when someone else got elected to be the new Kazekage. So in that sense, they were more or less making sure to keep the problem contained for the time being, or at least that was how he saw it.

Aside from that, he hoped that the two other Shinobi who were with him would have some faith in what he said he could do. He might not have been the most powerful Shinobi in the land of Wind, though he did consider himself to be one of the most intelligent and well-schooled ones. The way he saw it, being able to conjure ice out of thin air to varying degrees and being capable of speaking various languages someone who was as old as these supposed Tamarian lords might certainly interest them. After all, one did not encounter an outsider who could conjure up ice, speak the language of the dead, the language of dragons and the language of the abyss every day. That, and he seemed to be the only one of the three Sand nin that did not let his emotions get in the way of his decision-making skills.

"That is how I would like to approach this for now, though I am well aware of the fact that you've been appointed as the person Shiki considers to be most fit to speak in regards to these political matters. As such, I would very much like to keep that much under wraps for the time being and pull out that trump card by the time we get in and get to speak to the lord of the house. Once we do, I am certain your skillset will be required, just let me speak first and get us in."

With that said, he figured his fellow Sand nin would be able to see the point in letting him do things his way, at least for the time being. If she could not understand, he was certain that he would speak up about it now and not around the time of their arrival, as such a thing would only breed further trouble and unrest. At least the way he saw it, getting them in was something he was capable of getting done, and should therefore be given the opportunity. So as they started making their way around the larger dunes as the girl had instructed, he saw fit to address the apparent Hokage next.

"And as for you, Hokage, I for one thoroughly enjoy being presented with multiple options, though I really see only one clear path to travel right now. As both you and our female friend have pointed out, conserving our energy and strength is key in dealing with any potential issues I'd rather not see happening with the Tamarians. While I don't think anything will really happen, I'd like to at the very least be prepared for it and ready to smash it down if it does happen. So if, when needed, we take turns at creating shelter and relief efforts, that would be much appreciated."